Floating burner apparatus for submarine petroleum installations

ABSTRACT

A floating burner apparatus for accommodating combustion of gas coming from a submarine petroleum installation. A flue is provided for the combustion of the gas, which flue is supported at a buoy having a positive floatability in such a manner that the upper end of the flue is maintained above the level of the body of water during predetermined surface wave or billow conditions of the body of water, as well as during predetermined expected water current forces acting on the apparatus. In each of the embodiments, a principle flexible fluidtight conduit serves for simultaneously anchoring the buoy and for transferring gas from the submarine petroleum installation. In certain preferred embodiments, the buoy is immersed under the surface of the water so as to limit the effects of the billow thereon. Also, certain preferred embodiments include two buoys, one at the surface, and one submerged. Pilot or night lighting systems are provided which include a night light gas reservoir formed in one of the buoys. Several preferred embodiments include additional annular shaped stabilizing elements attached to the submerged buoys.

United States Patent [191 Castela et al.

[ Nov. 18, 1975 FLOATING BURNER APPARATUS FOR SUBMARINE PETROLEUMINSTALLATIONS [75] Inventors: Andr Castela, Mesnil Le Roi; GillesSusbielles, Courbevoie; Xuong Nguyen Duc, Rueil-Malmaison, all of France[73] Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole, Des

Carburants et Lubrifiants, France 22 Filed: Jan. 16, 1974 21 Appl. No.:433,653

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data 5/1972 Kubasta 431/202 PrimaryExaminerEdward G. Favors Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Craig & Antonelli [57]ABSTRACT A floating burner apparatus for accommodating combustion of gascoming from a submarine petroleum installation. A flue is provided forthe combustion of the gas, which flue is supported at a buoy having apositive floatability in such a manner that the upper end of the flue ismaintained above the level of the body of water during predeterminedsurface wave or billow conditions of the body of water, as well asduring predetermined expected water current forces acting on theapparatus. In each of the embodiments, a principle flexible fluidtightconduit serves for simultaneously anchoring the buoy and fortransferring gas from the submarine petroleum installation. In certainpreferred embodiments, the buoy is immersed under the surface of thewater so as to limit the effects of the billow thereon. Also, certainpreferred embodiments include two buoys, one at the surface, and onesubmerged. Pilot or night lighting systems are provided which include anight light gas reservoir formed in one of the buoys. Several preferredembodiments include additional annular shaped stabilizing elementsattached to the'submerged buoys.

34 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures US. Patent Now 18,1975 sheet 1 om3,920,378

FIG]

US. Patent Nov. 18, 1975 Sheet 2 of6 3,920,378

Sheet 3 of 6 3,920,378

US. Patent Nov. 18, 1975 FIGJ U.S..Patent Nov. 18, 1975 Sheet40f63,920,378

FIGA

Sheet 5 of 6 ,U.S. Patent Nov. 18, 1975 U.S.. Patent Nov. 18, 1975Sheet6of6 3,920,378

FIG]

FIG.6

FIG.8B

FIG.8A

FIG.9

FLOATING BURNER APPARATUS FOR SUBMARINE PETROLEUM INSTALLATIONSBACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates toa floating burner (lamp or torch) which permits carrying out thecombustron of gas from a submarine petroleum installation.

The operation of submarine petroleum fields requires immersion of thepetroleum installations at greater or lesser depths. As is well known tothe experts in operation of such submarine petroleum fields, the use ofemerging platforms being supported on the bottom of the body of waterfor supporting the burners or torches generally associated with theseimmersed petroleum installations has drawbacks, such as high costs,difficulties of anchoring, maintenance, control, and so forth, sincethese platforms must withstand all the actions or activities produced bythe meteorological and marine conditions of the spot where they areimplanted.

It is therefore proposed by the present invention to provide floatingburners or torches for immersed petroleum installations, which floatingburners or torches render it possible to eliminate the drawbacksmentioned hereinabove.

In the below-described preferred embodiments of the invention,advantageous features with regard to night or pilotlighting systems andwith regard to optimizing stabilization of the flue for the combustionof gases, are disclosed. The advantages of each of these preferredembodiments will be self-evident to one skilled in the art given thedisclosure herein. 1

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side schematic view of afirst embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side schematic view of a third embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a side schematic view of further embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of FIG. 4 whichshows the immersed buoy equipped with a stabilizer element; and

FIGS. 6 to 9 represent in perspective various embodiments of the annularstabilizing element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Throughout the various views, likereference numer-' als are used to depict like structures.

In FIG. 1, the lamp or torch comprises a flue or flame passage 1consisting, for example, of a tube from special steel. This flue isequipped with a static flame-stopping or flame-checking device 9 and issecured on the emerging portion of a floating buoy 2. The attachment ofthe flue l on the buoy comprises, for example, a shrouding (guy or stay)for the reinforcement of the flue 1 against bending or flectionstresses.

The length of the flue l is chosen in such a manner that the upper endthereof which is positioned at a distance L from the level of the water3 will not be covered by the waves irrespective of the positioning astoassure the anchoring of the floating buoy 2 and to direct or forward thegas that must be burnt between the immersed petroleum installation andthe torch flue. The flexible conduit 4 being utilized preferably has,for exarii'ple but in a non-limitative manner, at least some afidpreferably all of the following characteristic elements or features:

an armature for withstanding the pressure differences prevailing insideand outside the conduit, consisting of at least one sheet or stratumformed by a helical winding, at short pitch, of a metallic profilehaving, for example, an S-shaped or Z-shaped cross section allowing forthe clamping of adjacent turns;

an armature for withstanding the traction and/or flection stresses,composed for example of two sheets or strata of wires, strands, ormetallic profiles, being wound helically and in inverse directions alongor following an important winding pitch, and

at least one flexible water-tight casing or armoring for assuring theinternal seal or tightness of the flexible conduit and, also the seal ortightness of the flexible conduit with respect to the outside medium,this casing or armoring consisting of a material such as a plastomer oran elastomer having a good behavior or holding power relative to thegases circulating in the conduit.

The lower end of the flexible conduit 4is attached by any known means toan anchoring mass 5 resting on the bottom of the ocean, and this mass 5may be a constituent element of the immersed petroleum installation (notshown) without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

The device for fixing or securing the lower end of the conduit 4 allowsfor having the interior of conduit 4 communicate with a duct or line 6placed on the bottom of the body of water and in which the gas flowsthat comes from the petroleum installation that must be burnt in thelamp or torch.

A lower hawsehole 7 which is integral with the anchoring mass 5surrounds the lower end of the flexible conduit 4. This lower hawsehole7, which has an internal surface that widens upwardly, avoids orprevents any excessive deformation of the lower end of the conduit 4when the latter is subjected to a significant flection or bendingstress.

The upper end of the flexible conduit 4 is secured by any known means tothe floating buoy 2, and this securing device or means causes theflexible conduit to communicate with the lower end of the flue 1. Anupper hawsehole 8 which is integral with the buoy 2 surrounds the upperend of the flexible conduit 4. This upper hawsehole 8, whose innersurface widens downwardly limits the deformations of the upper end ofthe conduit 4 when the latter is subjected to significant flectionstresses.

The lower and upper hawseholes 7 and 8 may be integral with the ends ofthe flexible conduit 4 or with the devices for securing these ends inaccordance with preferred embodiments of the invention.

As is apparent from FIG. 1, the length of the flexible conduit is atleast equal to the depth H of the section of waterin which the lamp ortorch is placed.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the form or shape is chosen for thebuoy 2 that yields or produces the smallest or weakest dynamic anchoringreactions, and, as shown, this shape is preferably the form of acareened disk (frustrums of cones connected at their bases). Moreover,the buoy 2 is given a positive floatability, i.e. a floatability of avalue greater than the sum of the weight of the flue, of the buoy, andof the apparent weight of the flexible conduit in the water, in such amanner that the torque forces tending to invert the buoy due to theaction of wind or a marine current remains very much lower than thebuoyancy torques for straightening the buoy.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates another embodiment of a floating lampor torch as proposed by the present invention, equipped with nightlights and lighting means. In this embodiment, the flue 1 Whose upperend is located at the distance L above the level of the water 3 issecured on a hollow buoy 2a having a positive floatability and which isimmersed at a depth P sufficient for avoiding or limiting the actions orforce effects of the billow (surface waves), while still allowing forthe intervention of divers. This buoy 2a is connected to the anchoringmass 5 resting on the bottom of the body of water by the flexibleconduit 4 in the manner described above with respect to FIG. 1. The buoy2a is preferably given a spherical shape which offers or affords anessentially identical hold in all directions with respect to the marinecurrents (isotropy).

As in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the flexible conduit 4 communicatesdirectly with the flue 1 for the flow of the gas which must be burnt. Asecond flexible conduit 4a is provided for connecting the duct or line 6for the supply of gas to the interior volume of the buoy 2a. In thismanner the buoy 2a may be used as gas reservoir.

In FIG. 2, the duct or line 4a has been disposed coaxially to theinterior of the conduit 4.

A duct or line which has been schematically shown at 10 and whose oneend is in communication with the interior of the buoy 2a while the otherend thereof is positioned in the vicinity of the upper end of the flue1, serves for supplying a night light (low burner, pilot light).

A lighting device or means schematically shown at 11 is carried by theimmersed buoy 2a. This device 11 which may be of any known type will notbe described herein in detail. It is noted only that device 11 maypreferably be of the type producing electric impulses producing sparksat the level of the night lights.

FIG. 3 schematically depicts a third embodiment according to the presentinvention in which the flue 1 is attached to or secured on a floatingbuoy 2 connected by a flexible conduit 4 to a hollow immersed buoy 2a,which buoy 2a is connected to the anchoring mass 5 resting on the bottomof the water by the flexible conduit 4.

As in the case of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the buoy 22serves as reservoir for storing the gas supplying the night lights 10. Aflexible conduit 4a may be placed at the interior of the conduit 4 forseparately supplying the buoy 2a with gas from the immersed petroleuminstallation.

The conduit 4 communicates directly with the flexi ble conduit 4' whichitself is connected to the flue l. Placed preferably at the interior ofthe conduit 4', a conduit 4a connects the interior of the buoy 2a to theducts or lines of the night lights 10. The lighting and control deviceor means 1 l which is preferably of the type producing electric impulsesis preferably secured on the immersed buoy 2a. A conductor 12 placed atthe interior of one of the conduits 4 or 4a transmits to the night lightthe electric impulses furnished by the device 1 l.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the lighting of the lamp ortorch may be effected by a fuse. But it is also contemplated to provideon the floating buoy night lights and lighting means such as thosedescribed in FIGS. 2 and 3 by using the floating buoy 2 as reservoir forthe gas supplying the night light circuits and by giving to the flue alength sufficient in order that the temperature resulting from thecombustion not be too high at the level of the buoy so as to make itpossible for the intervention of a workman for actuating the lightingcircuits.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the handling ormanipulation of the device 11 or any other operation is to be effectedby a diver. Devices such as non-return flap valves, not shown in FIGS. 2and 3, are provided on the buoy serving as reservoir for storing the gassupplying the night lights.

FIG. 4 illustrates a modified embodiment relative to that illustrated inFIG. 2, in which, however, the night lights and lighting device has notbeen represented for the sake of greater clarity of illustration.

Despite the immersion of the buoy 2a, the floating burner is subjectedto the effect of the billow, of the marine currents, and of the winds,which impose upon the floating burner vertical movements, or pounding orramming movements, and/or rolling and pitching movements. In order tominimize these movements and so as to obtain a great degree ofstability, the floating burner according to the preferred embodiment ofthe present invention illustrated in FIG. 4 comprises a stabilizingelement 12 supported by the buoy 2a and disposed at a certain distanceunder the latter to which it is connected, for example by arms such asthe three arms 13, 14 and 15.

This stabilizing element 12 which constitutes an equalizing means has anannular shape and forms a skirt surrounding the flexible conduit 4 (seeFIG. 5). The stabilizing element 12 will have as reduced as possible atransverse or horizontal cross section so as to minimize the action oreffect of the vertical component of the billow on this stabilizingelement.

By virtue of the existence of this stabilizing element 12, it ispossible to reduce the horizontal cross section of the buoy 2a, and,consequently, to minimize the action of the vertical component of thebillow thereon since this cross section decrease may be compensated forby an increase in the height of the buoy 2a so as to preserve for thisbuoy the same volume, which is to say, the same floatability, withoutjeopardizing the stability of the floating burner.

In fact, the increase in height of the buoy 2a results in an increasedinfluence of the horizontal forces tending to include the burner, butthe action of these forces is counterbalanced by the opposing action oreffect of the horizontal forces being exerted on the lateral surface ofthe stabilizing element 12 since this element 12 and the buoy 2a arepositioned on both sides of the horizontal rocking axis of the burner.

The stabilizing element 12 is preferably constituted by at least oneskirt as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. In other preferred embodiments, thestabilizing element is formed with other rotating surfaces (surfaces ofrevolution), for example in the form of truncated cones 12' (FIG. 6).The stabilizing element 12" of FIG. 7 consists of at least oneessentially annular skirt whose cross section is not a surface ofrevolution but has, a polygonal shape, particularly a square shape.

The stabilizing element of FIG. 8a Consists of two coaxial skirts 12,12b connected by elements such as the crosspieces 16 so as to offer aminimum of hold or resistance to the vertical component of the billow.In the stabilizing element of FIG. 8b plates 17, with orifices, connectskirts 12a, 12b and also offer minimum resistance to the verticalcomponent of the billow. The stabilizing element of FIG. 9 includes atleast two coaxial skirts 12a, 12b which allows for an optimum regulationor design control of the ratio e/h of the wall thickness of thestabilizing element to its height.

The positive floatability of the buoy 2a is chosen to be sufficient forkeeping the flexible conduit 4 constantly under tension (this tensionbeing compatible with the resistance of this conduit) despite the actionof the billow periodically applying to the structure descending verticalforces.

This keeping of the flexible conduit 4 under tension decreases the risksof arupture 'of the latter under the effect of the alternating verticalforces due to the bi]- low. For the same purpose the length of theconduit 4 is chosen in such a manner that the buoy 20 remains immersedeven'for the'maximum hollow of the waves.

The inner radius of the annular stabilizing element 12 (12a, 12b, 12a,12b) is chosen to be greater than the maximum spacing or distancebetween the flexible conduit 4 and the axis of this element at the levelof the latter, corresponding to the maximal inclination of the burner onthe horizontal under the action or effect of the currents as well as ofthe winds acting upon the emerging portion of the flue 1 so that theannular element 12 cannot come to be supported on-theflexible conduit 4in the course of this inclination, which would eliminate any possibilityof a restraightening of the burner.

Further modifications are contemplated by the present invention whichmay be applied to the above described preferred embodiments withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Forexample, in the embodiment of FIG. 3 the conduits 4 and 4 may constitutea single conduit, the buoy 2a being integral with this conduit whicheither extends through it or passes by in the immediate vicinitythereof. I It is also contemplated by the present invention to equip thebuoy'2 (FIG. 1) or one and/or the other of the buoys 2 and 2a (FIG. 3)with a stabilizing element 12.

While we have shown and described several embodiments in accordance withthe present invention, it is understood that the same is not limitedthereto but also contemplates numerous changes and modifications aswould be known to those skilled in the art given the present disclosureof the invention, and we therefore do not wish to be limited to thedetails shown and described herein only schematically but intend tocover all such changes and modifications.

We claim:

l. Floating burner apparatus for accommodating combustion of gas comingfrom asubmarine petroleum installation, said apparatus comprising:

a flue for the combustion of said gas,

a buoy having a positive floatability, said flue being secured to saidbuoy with the upper end of said flue maintained above the level of abody of water within which said buoy is floated, and

a principal fluid tight conduit serving simultaneously for anchoringsaid buoy and for transferring gas from the submarine petroleuminstallation to said flue, one end of said principal conduit beingsecured to said buoy and communicating with said flue, the other end ofsaid principal conduit being connected to anchoring apparatus at thebottom of the body of water and communicating with the submarinepetroleum installation,

wherein said principal conduit has a length at least equal to thedistance separating the bottom and the surface of the body of water insuch a manner that said buoy floats on the water surface, and

wherein said conduit is flexible so as to accommodate movement of saidbuoy in response to a drop in the level of the body of water withinwhich said buoy is floated.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the principal conduit isarmored.

3. Floating burner apparatus for accommodating combustion of gas comingfrom a submarine petroleum installation, said apparatus comprising:

a flue for the combustion of said gas,

a buoy having a positive floatability, said flue being secured to saidbuoy with the upper end of said flue maintained above the level of abody of water within which said buoy is floated, and

a principal flexible fluid tight conduit serving simultaneously foranchoring said buoy and for transferring gas from the submarinepetroleum installation to said flue, one end of said principal conduitbeing secured to said buoy and communicating with said flue, the otherend of said principal conduit being connected to anchoring apparatus atthe bottom of the body of water and communicating with the submarinepetroleum installation,

wherein said principal conduit has a length at least equal to thedistance separating the bottom and the surface of the body of water insuch a manner that said buoy floats on the water surface, and

wherein said apparatus further comprises a second buoy having a positivefloatability which is immersed and is integrally connected with saidprincipal flexible conduit.

4. Floating burner apparatus for accommodating combustion of gas comingfrom a submarine petroleum installation, said apparatus comprising:

a flue for the combustion of said gas,

' a buoy having a positive floatability, said flue being secured to saidbuoy with the upper end of said flue -maintained above the level of abody of water within which said buoy is floated, and

a principal flexible fluid tight conduit serving simultaneously foranchoring said buoy and for transferring gas from the submarinepetroleum installation to said flue, one end of said principal conduitbeing secured to said buoy and communicating with said flue, the otherend of said principal conduit being connected to anchoring apparatus atthe bottom of the body of water and communicating with the submarinepetroleum installation,

wherein said principal conduit has a length at least equal to thedistance separating the bottom and the surface of the body of water insuch a manner that said buoy floatson the water surface,

wherein said apparatus further comprises a systemof night lights,lighting, and control means, wherein said system is supported by saidbuoy and wherein said buoy is hollow and constitutes a reservoir forstoring gas for supplying the system of night lights.

7 5. Floating burner apparatus for accommodating combustion of gascoming from a submarine petroleum installation, aid apparatuscomprising:

a flue for the combustion of said gas,

a buoy having a positive floatability, said flue being secured to saidbuoy with the upper end of said flue maintained above the level of abody of water within which said buoy is floated, and

a principal flexible fluid tight conduit serving simultaneously foranchoring said buoy and for transferring gas from the submarinepetroleum installation to said flue, one end of said principal conduitbeing secured to said buoy and communicating with said flue, the otherend of said principal conduit being connected to anchoring apparatus atthe bottom of the body of water and communicating with the submarinepetroleum installation,

wherein said principal conduit has a length smaller than the distanceseparating the bottom and the surface of the body of water in such amanner that said buoy is immersed at a depth sufficient for protectingsaid buoy at least partially from the action of the billow, wherein saidapparatus further comprises a system of night lights, lighting, andcontrol means, wherein said system is supported by said buoy and whereinsaid buoy is hollow and constitutes a reservoir for storing gas forsupplying the system of night lights.

6. Apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a system of nightlights, lighting, and control means, wherein said second buoy is hollowand constitutes a reservoir for storing gas for supplying the system ofnight lights.

7. Appatatus according to claim 4, wherein the gas supplying said systemof night lights comes from the submarine petroleum installation and isstored intermediately in the buoy forming said reservoir and which isequipped for this purpose with means for the supply with gas coming fromthe petroleum installation.

8. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the gas supplying said systemof night lights comes from the submarine petroleum installation and isstored intermediately in the buoy forming said reservoir and which isequipped for the purpose with means for the supply with gas coming fromthe petroleum installation.

9. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein gas supplying said system ofnight lights comes from the submarine petroleum installation is storedintermediately in the buoy forming said reservoir and which is equippedfor this purpose with means for the supply with gas coming from thepetroleum installation.

.10. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said means for supplyingthe reservoir-buoy with gas consist of an auxiliary fluid-tight flexibleconduit which directly connects said reservoir-buoy with the submarinepetroleum installation.

11. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said means for supplying thereservoir-buoy with gas consist of an auxiliary fluid-tight flexibleconduit which directly connects said reservoir-buoy with the submarinepetroleum installation.

12. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said means for supplying thereservoir-buoy with gas consist of an auxiliary fluid-tight flexibleconduit which directly connects said reservoir-buoy with the submarinepetroleum installation.

13. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said auxiliary conduit isplaced at the interior of said principal conduit.

14. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said auxiliary conduit isplaced at the interior of said principal conduit.

15. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said auxiliary conduit isplaced at the interior of said principal conduit.

16. Apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a stabilizingelement constituting an equalizing means which is disposed under andsupported by said second buoy, wherein said stabilizing element isessentially annular in shape and surrounds said principal conduit.

17. Floating burner apparatus for accommodating combustion of gas comingfrom a submarine petroleum installation, said apparatus comprising:

a flue for the combustion of said gas,

a buoy having a positive floatability, said flue being secured to saidbuoy with the upper end of said flue maintained above the level of abody of water within which said buoy is floated, and

a principal flexible fluid tight conduit serving simultaneously foranchoring said buoy and for transferring gas from the submarinepetroleum installation to said flue, one end of said principal conduitbeing secured to said buoy and communicating with said flue, the otherend of said principal conduit being connected to anchoring apparatus atthe bottom of the body of water and communicating with the submarinepetroleum installation,

wherein said principal conduit has a length at least equal to thedistance separating the bottom and the surface of the body of water insuch a manner that said buoy floats on the water surface,

wherein said apparatus further comprises a stabilizing elementconstituting an equalizing means which is disposed under and supportedby said buoy, and wherein said stabilizing element is essentiallyannular in shape and surrounds said principal conduit.

18. Floating burner apparatus for accommodating combustion of gas comingfrom a submarine petroleum installation, said'apparatus comprising:

a flue for the combustion of said gas,

a buoy having a positive floatability, said flue being secured to saidbuoy with the upper end of said flue maintained above the level of abody of water within which said buoy is floated, and

a principal flexible fluid tight conduit serving simultaneously foranchoring said buoy and for transferring gas from the submarinepetroleum installation to said flue, one end of said principal conduitbeing secured to said buoy and communicating with said flue, the otherend of said principal conduit being connected to anchoring apparatus atthe bottom of the body of water and communicating with the submarinepetroleum installation,

wherein said principal conduit has a length smaller than the distanceseparating the bottom and the surface of the body of water in such amanner that said buoy is immersed at a depth sufficient for protectingsaid buoy at least partially from the action of the billow,

wherein said apparatus further comprises a stabilizing elementconstituting an equalizing means which is disposed under and supportedby said buoy, and

element is greater than the maximum distance and spacing of theprincipal conduit and the axis of the stabilizing element at the levelof the latter under the effect of the horizontal components of theforces being exerted on the floating burner apparatus.

20. Apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the distance between theaxis of said essentially annular stabilizing element and the inner wallof this stabilizing element is greater than the maximum distance andspacing of the principal concuit and the axis of the stabilizing elementat the level of the latter under the effect of the horizontal componentsof the forces being exerted on the floating burner apparatus.

21. Apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the distance between theaxis of said essentially annular stabilizing element and the inner wallof this stabilizing element is greater than the maximum distance andspacing of the principal conduit and the axis of the stabilizing elementat the level of the latter under the effect of the horizontal componentsof the forces being exerted on the floating burner apparatus.

. 22. Apparatus according to claim 19, wherein said stabilizing elementcomprises at least one skirt having a surface of revolution.

23. Apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said stabilizing elementcomprises at least one skirt having a surface of revolution.

24. Apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said stabilizing elementhas an essentially cylindrical wall.

25. Apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said stabilizing elementhas an essentially cylindrical wall.

26. Apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said stabilizing elementhas at least one truncated-conical wall.

27. Apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said stabilizing elementhas at least one truncated-conical wall.

28. Apparatus according to claim 19, wherein said stabilizing elementcomprises at least one skirt whose cross section has a polygonal shape.

29. Apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said stabilizing elementcomprises at least one skirt whose cross section has a polygonal shape.

30. Apparatus according to claim 19, wherein said stabilizing elementcomprises at least two coaxial skirts.

31. Apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said stabilizing elementcomprises at least two coaxial skirts.

32. Apparatus according to claim 30, wherein said coaxial skirts areconcentric and rigidly connected to one another by junction elementsoffering a minimum of resistance to the vertical component of the forcesof the billow of said body of water.

33. Apparatus according to claim 31, wherein said coaxial skirts areconcentric and rigidly connected to one another by junction elementsoffering a minimum of resistance to the vertical component of the forcesof the billow of said body of water.

- 34. Apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said coaxial skirtsconstitute a telescopic assembly.

1. Floating burner apparatus for accommodating combustion of gas comingfrom a submarine petroleum installation, said apparatus comprising: aflue for the combustion of said gas, a buoy having a positivefloatability, said flue being secured to said buoy with the upper end ofsaid flue maintained above the level of a body of water within whichsaid buoy is floated, and a principal fluid tight conduit servingsimultaneously for anchoring said buoy and for transferring gas from thesubmarine petroleum installation to said flue, one end of said principalconduit being secured to said buoy and communicating with said flue, theother end of said principal conduit being connected to anchoringapparatus at the bottom of the body of water and communicating with thesubmarine petroleum installation, wherein said principal conduit has alength at least equal to the distance separating the bottom and thesurface of the body of water in such a manner that said buoy floats onthe water surface, and wherein said conduit is flexible so as toaccommodate movement of said buoy in response to a drop in the level ofthe body of water within which said buoy is floated.
 2. Apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the principal conduit is armored. 3.Floating burner apparatus for accommodating combustion of gas comingfrom a submarine petroleum installation, said apparatus comprising: aflue for the combustion of said gas, a buoy having a positivefloatability, said flue being secured to said buoy with the upper end ofsaid flue maintained above the level of a body of water within whichsaid buoy is floated, and a principal flexible fluid tight conduitserving simultaneously for anchoring said buoy and for transferring gasfrom the submarine petroleum installation to said flue, one end of saidprincipal conduit being secured to said buoy and communicating with saidflue, the other end of said principal conduit being connected toanchoring apparatus at the bottom of the body of water and communicatingwith the submarine petroleum installation, wherein said principalconduit has a length at least equal to the distance separating thebottom and the surface of the body of water in such a manner that saidbuoy floats on the water surface, and wherein said apparatus furthercomprises a second buoy having a positive floatability which is immersedand is integrally connected with said principal flexible conduit. 4.Floating burner apparatus for accommodating combustion of gas comingfrom a submarine petroleum installation, said apparatus comprising: aflue for the combustion of said gas, a buoy having a positivefloatability, said flue being secured to said buoy with the upper end ofsaid flue maintained above the level of a body of water within whichsaid buoy is floated, and a principal flexible fluid tight conduitserving simultaneously for anchoring said buoy and for transferring gasfrom the submarine petroleum installation to said flue, one end of saidprincipal conduit being secured to said buoy and communicating with saidflue, the other end of said principal conduit being connected toanchoring apparatus at the bottom of the body of water and communicatingwith the submarine petroleum installation, wherein said principalconduit has a length at least equal to the distance separating thebottom and the surface of the body of water in such a manner that saidbuoy floats on the water surface, wherein said apparatus furthercomprises a system of night lights, lighting, and control means, whereinsaid system is supported by said buoy and wherein said buoy is hollowand constitutes a reservoir for storing gas for supplying the system ofnight lights.
 5. Floating burner apparatus for accommodating combustionof gas coming from a submarine petroleum installation, aid apparatuscomprising: a flue for the combustion of said gas, a buoy having apositive floatability, said flue being secured to said buoy with theupper end of said flue maintained above the level of a body of waterwithin which said buoy is floated, and a principal flexible fluid tightconduit serving simultaneously for anchoring said buoy and fortransferring gas from the submarine petroleum installation to said flue,one end of said principal conduit being secured to said buoy andcommunicating with said flue, the other end of said principal conduitbeing connected to anchoring apparatus at the bottom of the body ofwater and communicating with the submarine petroleum installation,wherein said principal conduit has a length smaller than the distanceseparating the bottom and the surface of the body of water in such amanner that said buoy is immersed at a depth sufficient for protectingsaid buoy at least partially from the action of the billow, wherein saidapparatus further comprises a system of night lights, lighting, andcontrol means, wherein said system is supported by said buoy and whereinsaid buoy is hollow and constitutes a reservoir for storing gas forsupplying the system of night lights.
 6. Apparatus according to claim 3,further comprising a system of night lights, lighting, and controlmeans, wherein said second buoy is hollow and constitutes a reservoirfor storing gas for supplying the system of night lights.
 7. Appatatusaccording to claim 4, wherein the gas supplying said system of nightlights comes from the submarine petroleum installation and is storedintermediately in the buoy forming said reservoir and which is equippedfor this purpose with mEans for the supply with gas coming from thepetroleum installation.
 8. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein thegas supplying said system of night lights comes from the submarinepetroleum installation and is stored intermediately in the buoy formingsaid reservoir and which is equipped for the purpose with means for thesupply with gas coming from the petroleum installation.
 9. Apparatusaccording to claim 6, wherein gas supplying said system of night lightscomes from the submarine petroleum installation is stored intermediatelyin the buoy forming said reservoir and which is equipped for thispurpose with means for the supply with gas coming from the petroleuminstallation.
 10. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said means forsupplying the reservoir-buoy with gas consist of an auxiliaryfluid-tight flexible conduit which directly connects said reservoir-buoywith the submarine petroleum installation.
 11. Apparatus according toclaim 8, wherein said means for supplying the reservoir-buoy with gasconsist of an auxiliary fluid-tight flexible conduit which directlyconnects said reservoir-buoy with the submarine petroleum installation.12. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said means for supplying thereservoir-buoy with gas consist of an auxiliary fluid-tight flexibleconduit which directly connects said reservoir-buoy with the submarinepetroleum installation.
 13. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein saidauxiliary conduit is placed at the interior of said principal conduit.14. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said auxiliary conduit isplaced at the interior of said principal conduit.
 15. Apparatusaccording to claim 12, wherein said auxiliary conduit is placed at theinterior of said principal conduit.
 16. Apparatus according to claim 3,further comprising a stabilizing element constituting an equalizingmeans which is disposed under and supported by said second buoy, whereinsaid stabilizing element is essentially annular in shape and surroundssaid principal conduit.
 17. Floating burner apparatus for accommodatingcombustion of gas coming from a submarine petroleum installation, saidapparatus comprising: a flue for the combustion of said gas, a buoyhaving a positive floatability, said flue being secured to said buoywith the upper end of said flue maintained above the level of a body ofwater within which said buoy is floated, and a principal flexible fluidtight conduit serving simultaneously for anchoring said buoy and fortransferring gas from the submarine petroleum installation to said flue,one end of said principal conduit being secured to said buoy andcommunicating with said flue, the other end of said principal conduitbeing connected to anchoring apparatus at the bottom of the body ofwater and communicating with the submarine petroleum installation,wherein said principal conduit has a length at least equal to thedistance separating the bottom and the surface of the body of water insuch a manner that said buoy floats on the water surface, wherein saidapparatus further comprises a stabilizing element constituting anequalizing means which is disposed under and supported by said buoy, andwherein said stabilizing element is essentially annular in shape andsurrounds said principal conduit.
 18. Floating burner apparatus foraccommodating combustion of gas coming from a submarine petroleuminstallation, said apparatus comprising: a flue for the combustion ofsaid gas, a buoy having a positive floatability, said flue being securedto said buoy with the upper end of said flue maintained above the levelof a body of water within which said buoy is floated, and a principalflexible fluid tight conduit serving simultaneously for anchoring saidbuoy and for transferring gas from the submarine petroleum installationto said flue, one end of said principal conduit being secured to saidbuoy and communicating with said flue, the other end of said principalconDuit being connected to anchoring apparatus at the bottom of the bodyof water and communicating with the submarine petroleum installation,wherein said principal conduit has a length smaller than the distanceseparating the bottom and the surface of the body of water in such amanner that said buoy is immersed at a depth sufficient for protectingsaid buoy at least partially from the action of the billow, wherein saidapparatus further comprises a stabilizing element constituting anequalizing means which is disposed under and supported by said buoy, andwherein said stabilizing element is essentially annular in shape andsurrounds said principal conduit.
 19. Apparatus according to claim 17,wherein the distance between the axis of said essentially annularstabilizing element and the inner wall of this stabilizing element isgreater than the maximum distance and spacing of the principal conduitand the axis of the stabilizing element at the level of the latter underthe effect of the horizontal components of the forces being exerted onthe floating burner apparatus.
 20. Apparatus according to claim 18,wherein the distance between the axis of said essentially annularstabilizing element and the inner wall of this stabilizing element isgreater than the maximum distance and spacing of the principal concuitand the axis of the stabilizing element at the level of the latter underthe effect of the horizontal components of the forces being exerted onthe floating burner apparatus.
 21. Apparatus according to claim 16,wherein the distance between the axis of said essentially annularstabilizing element and the inner wall of this stabilizing element isgreater than the maximum distance and spacing of the principal conduitand the axis of the stabilizing element at the level of the latter underthe effect of the horizontal components of the forces being exerted onthe floating burner apparatus.
 22. Apparatus according to claim 19,wherein said stabilizing element comprises at least one skirt having asurface of revolution.
 23. Apparatus according to claim 21, wherein saidstabilizing element comprises at least one skirt having a surface ofrevolution.
 24. Apparatus according to claim 22, wherein saidstabilizing element has an essentially cylindrical wall.
 25. Apparatusaccording to claim 23, wherein said stabilizing element has anessentially cylindrical wall.
 26. Apparatus according to claim 22,wherein said stabilizing element has at least one truncated-conicalwall.
 27. Apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said stabilizingelement has at least one truncated-conical wall.
 28. Apparatus accordingto claim 19, wherein said stabilizing element comprises at least oneskirt whose cross section has a polygonal shape.
 29. Apparatus accordingto claim 21, wherein said stabilizing element comprises at least oneskirt whose cross section has a polygonal shape.
 30. Apparatus accordingto claim 19, wherein said stabilizing element comprises at least twocoaxial skirts.
 31. Apparatus according to claim 21, wherein saidstabilizing element comprises at least two coaxial skirts.
 32. Apparatusaccording to claim 30, wherein said coaxial skirts are concentric andrigidly connected to one another by junction elements offering a minimumof resistance to the vertical component of the forces of the billow ofsaid body of water.
 33. Apparatus according to claim 31, wherein saidcoaxial skirts are concentric and rigidly connected to one another byjunction elements offering a minimum of resistance to the verticalcomponent of the forces of the billow of said body of water. 34.Apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said coaxial skirts constitutea telescopic assembly.